Those who spread lies were a clique among you. Do not think that it was bad for you: In fact it has been good for you. Each of them will pay for the sin he has committed, and he who had greater share (of guilt) will suffer grievous punishment. 11 Why did not the believing men and the believing women, when you heard it, think well of their own people, and say: This is an evident falsehood? 12 Would that they had brought four witnesses to testify to their report. Since they brought none, they are liars before God. 13 Were it not for the favors and mercy of God upon you, in this world and in the life to come, a great torment would strike you for your involvement in this false report. 14 When you talked about it and said what you did not know, and took it lightly -- though in the sight of God it was serious -- 15 And why, when you heard it, did you not say, 'It is not for us to speak about this; glory be to Thee! This is a mighty calumny'? 16 God warns you never to repeat the like of it again, if you are true believers. 17 Allah makes plain to you His verses, and Allah is the Knower, the Wise. 18 Verily, as for those who like [to hear] foul slander spread against [any of] those who have attained to faith grievous suffering awaits them in this world and in the life to come: for God knows [the full truth,] whereas you know [it] not. 19 But for the grace of God and His mercy (much harm would have been done); yet God is compassionate and kind. 20